A Glamorous Journey To The Lost Citadel: Machu Picchu By Luxury Train

Some links may earn Jet Set LatAm a commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations remain editorially independent.

Step aboard a luxury train bound for Machu Picchu, where panoramic windows, elegant dining, and live music set the tone for an unforgettable journey through the Andes. As the train winds along the Urubamba River, lush valleys give way to mist-shrouded peaks, building anticipation for the grand arrival at the Lost Citadel. This glamorous route blends Incan history, breathtaking scenery, and timeless elegance, turning a bucket-list destination into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There’s something timeless about arriving at Machu Picchu by rail — watching the Sacred Valley unfold outside your window as you sip champagne, listening to live music echo through the dining car. Aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham, this journey in Peru transforms a bucket-list destination into a glamorous, once-in-a-lifetime experience. From Cusco’s colonial elegance to the misty peaks surrounding the Inca citadel, this is luxury travel at its most cinematic.

🚂 The Experience

A Glamorous Journey to the Lost Citadel: Machu Picchu by Luxury Train

Named after the explorer who brought Machu Picchu to the world’s attention, the Hiram Bingham train is more than transport — it’s a rolling celebration of Peruvian culture. Departing from Poroy Station near Cusco, the train winds through the Sacred Valley, past terraced hillsides and rushing rivers, while guests indulge in a gourmet brunch paired with sparkling wine. Live Andean musicians set the tone as the landscape grows increasingly dramatic.

Once in Aguas Calientes, private transfers whisk passengers to the citadel itself, where expert guides offer exclusive insights into the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a day of wonder, a decadent dinner awaits on the return journey — think linen-draped tables, fine wines, and soft golden light as night falls over the valley.

✈️ How to Get There

The journey begins in Cusco, reachable by air from Lima and major South American hubs. For the smoothest route, book a direct flight to Cusco (CUZ) with LATAM Airlines. Arrive at least a day before your train departure to acclimate to the altitude and explore the historic city.

Quick Links

Plan and Book

Find boutique stays, flights and villas using our partner search tools below.

Check Flights

Find affordable flights using Cheap-O-Air

Homes and Villas

Stay like a local at a VRBO villa.

Book Hotels

Booking.com is your one-stop shop

🎟️ Tours — Viator | 🚘 Transfers — Priority Pickups | 🌴 Experiences — Klook

🏨 Where to Stay

Extend the magic by staying at one of Cusco’s most exquisite properties before or after your rail adventure:

Belmond Hotel Monasterio – Cusco – a former monastery turned luxury hotel, steps from Plaza de Armas.
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco – elegant interiors and impeccable service in the heart of the city.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – perfect if you want to overnight closer to the ruins in a lush cloud-forest setting.

🌟 Quick Tips

Book early — The Hiram Bingham train often sells out months in advance, especially in high season (May–September).
Acclimate in Cusco — Spend 1–2 days in the city before the train to adjust to the altitude comfortably.
Golden hour magic — The return train offers surreal valley views at sunset. Bring a good camera.
Take your time — If possible, pair the train journey with an overnight stay near Machu Picchu for a dawn visit before the crowds.
Travel respectfully — Machu Picchu is a fragile archaeological site; follow local guidelines to help preserve it.
Be Comfortable — Pick versatile outfits that go with the flow.

📝 Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a way to get to Machu Picchu — it’s a luxury travel ritual that connects past and present through beauty, culture, and unforgettable landscapes. Whether you’re sipping pisco sours in the observation car or standing in awe at the Sun Gate, the Hiram Bingham train reminds you that the journey can be just as breathtaking as the destination.

About

Our Journey.

It all began in Guadalajara, the creative heart of Jalisco, where our stay at the award-winning La Perla BnB sparked our devotion to Latin American boutique stays, exceptional hospitality, and meaningful storytelling. That inspiration continues to guide everything we create at Jet Set LatAM — a modern travel platform dedicated to showcasing Latin luxury, signature stays, and immersive cultural experiences. From wine valleys in Argentina to colonial cities in Mexico, every journey we share is rooted in mindful travel and authentic cultural connection.

Colorful TEQUILA sign in Tequila, Jalisco town plaza with papel picado flags and gazebo under a clear blue sky.

At Jet Set LatAM, our mission is to bring the luxury spotlight to Latin America — celebrating the vibrant destinations, heritage, and artistry that define this region’s quiet elegance.